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Friday, November 13, 2009

Friday Freelance: FALLEN ON FACE

Image source: revphil2011

"By nature, worship is not some performance we do,
but a presence we experience."
~ A.W. Tozer


Friday Freelance: FALLEN ON FACE
#knowingGod

Like millions across the nation, we’ve had a house full of sickness this week. My husband John went first, then the kids, one by one. By God’s grace (and with a few natural remedies) I’ve thus far evaded being sick, despite sleeping between two sick people.

Four-year-old Daniel slips into my bed so quietly that I don’t realize he’s there until his warmth pressed into mine wakes me up. Sickness isn’t the only reason he’ll wind up there. Funny noises outside his window will bring him. The rare bad dream dispatches him in search for safety. And returning from a nighttime trip to the bathroom is simply an excuse to snuggle.

We’ve always had an open door policy with our kids during the wee hours. Our philosophy is that they’ll know God is always available to them in a dark times by learning it first from us. There are other times when the door is locked, for Mom and Dad to have a serious talk or serious affection. In those hours our children learn that however important our relationship with them, the relationship with each other comes first.
When all the children of Israel saw how the fire came down,
and the glory of the LORD on the temple,
they bowed their faces to the ground on the pavement,
and worshiped and praised the LORD.
~ 2 Chronicles 7:3 (NKJV)

There is another place in the house which our children know to respect when it is closed. I’m usually already out of my prayer closet when they awaken, but if I tarry they’ll come to give me a good morning kiss (the youngest two will also cuddle quietly a bit), then slip away and allow me my time with the Lord. They understand that my relationship with Him comes first.

I try to "pray without ceasing" in mental chatter with the Lord all day, but of course it’s interrupted. I have lazy mornings when I try to get away with prayer time in bed, and as often as not it lapses back into sleep. I most enjoy morning prayer time in the eastern family room which offers sunrise in the summer and wood stove warmth in the winter.

But that prayer closet ...

This is the place of serious talk and serious intimacy. Unlike my numerous computer Bibles, the paper and ink version stored here is stuffed with notes and covered with writing. Like a suitcase plastered with travel stickers from around the globe, it evidences the places the Lord has taken me and the things we’ve seen together. A prayer journal ensures no one is overlooked (including you, dear readers). And the square of padded carpet behind tapestry curtain provides a comfortable place to sit—or a place for my face.

Say what you will about the Lord is everywhere and hears us no matter our position. For me, if I need to hear from Him, I fall on my face before Him. Something in this posture not only shuts out lesser things, but brings my heart to a place where either His whispers become clear, or His Spirit and mine find such unity that I needn't hear His voice. Like a comfortable couple who've reached the place where words are no longer necessary, I feel His pleasure, comfort, understanding, stretching, challenge, grief, peace. If you've felt any of these things, you know they are real.

If you desire these things, quietly slip into His presence with a humble heart until you feel His warmth pressed into yours.

Contrasting points-of-view, questions and feedback are invited. Post to
BuildingHisBody.com "Comments" or e-mail to BuildingHisBody@gmail.com. Copyright 2009, Anne Lang Bundy, all rights reserved.

10 comments:

  1. I learned two things this week. 1. I am not waiting on things or people I am waiting on God. 2. How to crawl up on the mercy seat and be comforted by Jesus.

    Love your post Anne.

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  2. Thank you for this excellent peek into the Bundy home--and what a home it is, Anne. Who could not feel welcome there? I feel the warmth of it just from your post. *sigh* What a wonderful way to start my day.

    I too have a secret prayer place. It's very small. I rather like that. I understand that I'm made small for a reason, and that I best communicate with God when I accept all His ways--including the way He made me. (That, btw, is not an excuse for poor behavior, disobedience, AKA, "Well, it's just the way God made me so you all have to DEAL with it. Heehee. I'm talking about the way He made us that is out of our control.)

    May God bless you richly today, dear Anne, and may the prayers and cuddles begin your Friday gently and with great peace.

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  3. I, for one, am grateful for the time you spend face first before our Lord. Because of that, the fruit and grace you share here is abundant and full of Truth.

    My home is little. I need to find that "space" for I am one who is too easily distracted. :o)

    Shalom,
    Denise

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  4. The flu came to our house in the same way. Husband. Child 1,2, then 3. But I never got it. Odd.

    Your desire to be close to God, praying without ceasing is such an example for me. I love reading about it, being inspired by it.
    ~ Wendy

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  5. I agree with Denise and am grateful for the time you spend on your face with the Lord. He has blessed you beyond measure, and in turn you bless us with each word you write. Thank you for your diligence and your willingness to share with us. You are such an inspiration. *big hugs*

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  6. Bless you for always being such a willing seeker of our Lord, I love you. Praying for your family.

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  7. Thank you Anne! You are such a blessing! Praying for you that God continues to strengthen you for His glory! The giving of your life to service is deeply appreciated!

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  8. T. Anne, how I need to remember to apply #1 to EVERY situation.

    Gwen, thank you for blessings of peace in all the ways you impart them.

    Denise (@ Sacred Longing), ask the Lord to show you that special place for you and Him. I've no doubt He's longing to meet you there in a special way. If you didn't look at it already, the word "prayer closet" in my post will link you to the message I did on it.

    Wendy, I continue to work on the praying without ceasing. I'm grateful if the Lord uses me to inspire you to draw ever closer to Him.

    Ralene, I'm blessed, and you're very welcome. Big hugs back to you and that baby!

    Denise, I'm sending you a special email of thanks. Be looking for it.

    Bible Lover, thank you for praying. I need that strength. It is, indeed, all for His glory alone.

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  9. I have that painting above my fireplace. It is a reminder to me not to lose sight of where I get my strength...on my knees with my head bowed low. Pressing in so that I can press on. What lovely words you've written and comforting images you've created. Thank you.

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  10. Deidra, Amen! We are stronger on our knees than we'll ever be standing alone. Thank you for your kind words, and for your own description: "Pressing in so that I can press on."

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